I got Lords of the Shadow few days ago, it seems nice, but from what I heard it doesn't have too many connections with original series. Lords of the Shadow remind me a lot of God of War, which is probably why I like it.

Huge Castlevania fan right here. I beat the one for sega (I think it was called bloodlines), and I have beaten symphony of the night at least 10 times. Also played a bit of the new gen one. I loved them all, but I agree with MC. Symphony of the Night is BY FAR the best game the series has to offer. Kicks complete ass